Annotated Reading. British and World Literature. Unit.Lesson.Activity # Beowulf, Sections I IV, X XIII

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1 Page 1 of 13 Summary of section I Here we are introduced to the Danish King Hrothgar and his lineage. Hrothgar builds a great hall he names Heorot. The monster Grendel is awakened by the Danes' celebrations. (Note: The Beowulf mentioned in this section is not the hero Beowulf! He is the father of the Scylding King Healfdene, who is in turn the father of Hrothgar.) NOW Beowulf bode in the burg of the Scyldings, leader belovéd, and long he ruled in fame with all folk, since his father had gone away from the world, till awoke an heir, haughty Healfdene, who held through life, 5 sage and sturdy, the Scyldings glad. Then, one after one, there woke to him, to the chieftain of clansmen, children four: Heorogar, then Hrothgar, then Halga brave: and I heard that Elan was Ongentheow's queen, 10 the Heathoscylfing's helpmate dear. To Hrothgar was given such glory of war, such honor of combat, that all his kin obeyed him gladly till great grew his band of youthful comrades. It came in his mind 15 to bid his henchmen a hall uprear, a master mead-house, mightier far than ever was seen by the sons of earth, and within it, then, to old and young he would all allot that the Lord had sent him, 20 save only the land and the lives of his men. Wide, I heard, was the work commanded, for many a tribe this mid-earth round, to fashion the folkstead. It fell, as he ordered, in rapid achievement that ready it stood there, 25 of halls the noblest: Heorot he named it whose message had might in many a land. Not reckless of promise, the rings he dealt, treasure at banquet: there towered the hall, high, gabled wide, the hot surge waiting 30 of furious flame. Nor far was that day when father and son-in-law stood in feud for warfare and hatred that woke again. With envy and anger an evil spirit endured the dole in his dark abode, 35 that he heard each day the din of revel high in the hall: there harps rang out, clear song of the singer. He sang who knew tales of the early time of man, how the Almighty made the earth, 40 fairest fields enfolded by water, Lived / town / descendants of the Danish King Scyld Died Here we learn how Healfdene succeeded his father, Scyld, then fathered four children: Heorogar, Hrothgar, Halga, and Elan. Hrothgar's glory in battle inspires warriors to claim him as their leader. He decides to build a meadhouse, a hall in which an alcoholic beverage made from honey was drunk. He intends to use this hall to distribute gifts ("to old and young / he would all allot that the Lord had sent him"). He names the hall Heorot (which means "stag" or "deer"). Most mead halls ended up being destroyed by fire. Grendel hears the sounds of the partying Danes in the new mead hall and it makes him angry and jealous. This and the lines that follow refer to the book of

2 Page 2 of 13 set, triumphant, sun and moon for a light to lighten the land-dwellers, and braided bright the breast of earth with limbs and leaves, made life for all 45 of mortal beings that breathe and move. So lived the clansmen in cheer and revel a winsome life, till one began to fashion evils, that fiend of hell. Grendel this monster grim was called, 50 march-riever mighty, in moorland living, in fen and fastness; fief of the giants the hapless wight a while had kept since the Creator his exile doomed. On kin of Cain was the killing avenged 55 by sovran God for slaughtered Abel. Ill fared his feud, and far was he driven, for the slaughter's sake, from sight of men. Of Cain awoke all that woful breed, Etins and elves and evil-spirits, 60 as well as the giants that warred with God weary while: but their wage was paid them! Genesis in the Bible. These tales are told in the song of a scop (the "he" in line 38). Pleasing, joyful / Grendel Literally "boundary-raider" Creature Here we learn that Grendel is descended from Cain, who was cursed and exiled by God for murdering his brother. Other monsters etins, elves, evil-spirits, and giants also descended from Cain. Summary of section II Grendel attacks Heorot at night and kills and devours many Danes. He continues his night attacks for 12 years. The pagan Danes make "altar-offerings" to their gods for assistance, but to no avail. WENT he forth to find at fall of night that haughty house, and heed wherever the Ring-Danes, outrevelled, to rest had gone. Found within it the atheling band asleep after feasting and fearless of sorrow, 5 of human hardship. Unhallowed wight, grim and greedy, he grasped betimes, wrathful, reckless, from resting-places, thirty of the thanes, and thence he rushed fain of his fell spoil, faring homeward, 10 laden with slaughter, his lair to seek. Then at the dawning, as day was breaking, the might of Grendel to men was known; then after wassail was wail uplifted, loud moan in the morn. The mighty chief, 15 atheling excellent, unblithe sat, labored in woe for the loss of his thanes, when once had been traced the trail of the fiend, spirit accurst: too cruel that sorrow, too long, too loathsome. Not late the respite; 20 Grendel went out that night to find Heorot. Nobleman, prince Grendel attacks 30 Danes while they sleep, then carries them back to his lair. Party, celebration In the morning, the Danes see what Grendel has done and mourn their loss. That night, Grendel

3 Page 3 of 13 with night returning, anew began ruthless murder; he recked no whit, firm in his guilt, of the feud and crime. They were easy to find who elsewhere sought in room remote their rest at night, 25 bed in the bowers, when that bale was shown, was seen in sooth, with surest token, the hall-thane's hate. Such held themselves far and fast who the fiend outran! Thus ruled unrighteous and raged his fill 30 one against all; until empty stood that lordly building, and long it bode so. Twelve years' tide the trouble he bore, sovran of Scyldings, sorrows in plenty, boundless cares. There came unhidden 35 tidings true to the tribes of men, in sorrowful songs, how ceaselessly Grendel harassed Hrothgar, what hate he bore him, what murder and massacre, many a year, feud unfading, refused consent 40 to deal with any of Daneland's earls, make pact of peace, or compound for gold: still less did the wise men ween to get great fee for the feud from his fiendish hands. But the evil one ambushed old and young, 45 death-shadow dark, and dogged them still, lured, or lurked in the livelong night of misty moorlands: men may say not where the haunts of these Hell- Runes be. Such heaping of horrors the hater of men, 50 lonely roamer, wrought unceasing, harassings heavy. o'er Heorot he lorded, gold-bright hall, in gloomy nights; and ne'er could the prince approach his throne, 'twas judgment of God, or have joy in his hall. 55 Sore was the sorrow to Scyldings'-friend, heart-rending misery. Many nobles sat assembled, and searched out counsel how it were best for bold-hearted men against harassing terror to try their hand. 60 Whiles they vowed in their heathen fanes altar-offerings, asked with words that the slayer-of-souls would succor give them for the pain of their people. Their practice this, their heathen hope; 'twas Hell they thought of 65 in mood of their mind. Almighty they knew not, Doomsman of Deeds and dreadful Lord, returns to kill again. He showed no remorse. Grendel tracks down those who sleep far from Heorot. Hrothgar's / Those who escaped Grendel traveled far and fast. Grendel continued his attacks for 12 years. Grendel refuses to make peace even in exchange for gold. Hope Imagine being stalked by Grendel at night in "misty moorlands." Yikes! Grendel has taken control over Heorot; Hrothgar can't even sit on his throne. The Danes seek advice for how to fight Grendel. Some turn to pagan gods for help. (A fane is a church.) This is a good example of the intersection between

4 Page 4 of 13 nor Heaven'-Helmet heeded they ever, Wielder-of-Wonder. Woe for that man who in harm and hatred hales his soul 70 to fiery embraces; nor favor nor change awaits he ever. But well for him that after death-day may draw to his Lord, and friendship find in the Father's arms! pagan and Christian values in Beowulf. According to the narrator, what is the consequence of appealing to pagan gods for help? Summary of section III Beowulf, a Geat and nephew of the Geatish King Hygelac, hears of the Danes' troubles and decides to offer his assistance against the monster. He travels with his chosen companions by ship to Denmark. There he and his men encounter a Danish sentry. THUS seethed unceasing the son of Healfdene with the woe of these days; not wisest men assuaged his sorrow; too sore the anguish, loathly and long, that lay on his folk, most baneful of burdens and bales of the night. 5 This heard in his home Hygelac's thane, great among Geats, of Grendel's doings. He was the mightiest man of valor in that same day of this our life, stalwart and stately. A stout wave-walker 10 he bade make ready. Yon battle-king, said he, far o'er the swan-road he fain would seek, the noble monarch who needed men! The prince's journey by prudent folk was little blamed, though they loved him dear; 15 they whetted the hero, and hailed good omens. And now the bold one from bands of Geats comrades chose, the keenest of warriors e'er he could find; with fourteen men the sea-wood he sought, and, sailor proved, 20 led them on to the land's confines. Time had now flown; afloat was the ship, boat under bluff. On board they climbed, warriors ready; waves were churning sea with sand; the sailors bore 25 on the breast of the bark their bright array, their mail and weapons: the men pushed off, on its willing way, the well-braced craft. Then moved o'er the waters by might of the wind that bark like a bird with breast of foam, 30 till in season due, on the second day, the curvéd prow such course had run that sailors now could see the land, Hrothgar Even the wisest men couldn't soothe his sorrow. Beowulf / Beowulf learns of Grendel's mischief and decides to help Hrothgar. What might the kennings in lines 10 and 12 mean? Made keen and eager Beowulf chooses 14 men to accompany him to Denmark. / Yet another kenning Beowulf and his men prepare to depart. Sailing ship

5 Page 5 of 13 sea-cliffs shining, steep high hills, headlands broad. Their haven was found, 35 their journey ended. Up then quickly the Weders' clansmen climbed ashore, anchored their sea-wood, with armor clashing and gear of battle: God they thanked for passing in peace o'er the paths of the sea. 40 Now saw from the cliff a Scylding clansman, a warden that watched the water-side, how they bore o'er the gangway glittering shields, war-gear in readiness; wonder seized him to know what manner of men they were. 45 Straight to the strand his steed he rode, Hrothgar's henchman; with hand of might he shook his spear, and spake in parley. "Who are ye, then, ye arméd men, mailéd folk, that yon mighty vessel 50 have urged thus over the ocean ways, here o'er the waters? A warden I, sentinel set o'er the sea-march here, lest any foe to the folk of Danes with harrying fleet should harm the land. 55 No aliens ever at ease thus bore them, linden- wielders: yet word-of-leave clearly ye lack from clansmen here, my folk's agreement. A greater ne'er saw I of warriors in world than is one of you, 60 yon hero in harness! No henchman he worthied by weapons, if witness his features, his peerless presence! I pray you, though, tell your folk and home, lest hence ye fare suspect to wander your way as spies 65 in Danish land. Now, dwellers afar, ocean-travellers, take from me simple advice: the sooner the better I hear of the country whence ye came." They arrive at the Danish shore. Beowulf and his men A Danish sentry sees Beowulf and his men arriving. The sentry rides to where Beowulf and his men have landed. He demands to know who they are. It's unlikely that you're an enemy because you approach so openly, yet you don't have permission to land. The sentry advises Beowulf to speak quickly. Summary of section IV Beowulf explains to the sentry who he is and why he has come (to help the Danes against Grendel). The Danish guard approves of Beowulf's offer to help and takes him and his men to the Hrothgar, the king. TO him the stateliest spake in answer; the warriors' leader his word-hoard unlocked: "We are by kin of the clan of Geats, and Hygelac's own hearth-fellows we. To folk afar was my father known, 5 To the sentry Beowulf spoke / Kenning for speech Beowulf explains that he

6 Page 6 of 13 noble atheling, Ecgtheow named. Full of winters, he fared away agéd from earth; he is honored still through width of the world by wise men all. To thy lord and liege in loyal mood 10 we hasten hither, to Healfdene's son, people-protector: be pleased to advise us! To that mighty-one come we on mickle errand, to the lord of the Danes; nor deem I right that aught be hidden. We hear thou knowest 15 if sooth it is the saying of men, that amid the Scyldings a scathing monster, dark ill-doer, in dusky nights shows terrific his rage unmatched, hatred and murder. To Hrothgar I 20 in greatness of soul would succor bring, so the Wise-and-Brave may worst his foes, if ever the end of ills is fated, of cruel contest, if cure shall follow, and the boiling care-waves cooler grow; 25 else ever afterward anguish-days he shall suffer in sorrow while stands in place high on its hill that house unpeered!" Astride his steed, the strand-ward answered, clansman unquailing: "The keen-souled thane 30 must be skilled to sever and sunder duly words and works, if he well intends. I gather, this band is graciously bent to the Scyldings' master. March, then, bearing weapons and weeds the way I show you. 35 I will bid my men your boat meanwhile to guard for fear lest foemen come, your new-tarred ship by shore of ocean faithfully watching till once again it waft o'er the waters those well-loved thanes, 40 winding-necks'd wood, to Weders' bounds, heroes such as the hest of fate shall succor and save from the shock of war." They bent them to march, the boat lay still, fettered by cable and fast at anchor, 45 broad-bosomed ship. Then shone the boars over the cheek-guard; chased with gold, keen and gleaming, guard it kept o'er the man of war, as marched along heroes in haste, till the hall they saw, 50 broad of gable and bright with gold: that was the fairest, 'mid folk of earth, and his men are thanes of Hrothgar, king of the Geats, and identifies himself as Ecgtheow's son. Great, large / Nor do I believe that our purpose should be concealed. Beowulf explains that he has come to help Hrothgar defeat Grendel. So Hrothgar may defeat his enemies Worries The sentry approves of Beowulf's words and bids him and his men to follow him. He says he will order his men to guard Beowulf's boat. The boundaries of the Geats' lands Beowulf's helmet is decorated with images of boars, sacred animals thought to protect warriors. / Beowulf Beowulf and his men

7 Page 7 of 13 of houses 'neath heaven, where Hrothgar lived, and the gleam of it lightened o'er lands afar. The sturdy shieldsman showed that bright 55 burg-of-the-boldest; bade them go straightway thither; his steed then turned, hardy hero, and hailed them thus: "'Tis time that I fare from you. Father Almighty in grace and mercy guard you well, 60 safe in your seekings. Seaward I go, 'gainst hostile warriors hold my watch." arrive at Heorot and are impressed with its beauty. The sentry urges them to enter the hall, then returns to his post, but not before uttering a blessing upon Beowulf and his crew. Summary of section X Beowulf and his band of men prepare for sleep in anticipation of Grendel's attack. Beowulf decides to fight Grendel without the use of any weapons (in XII, 11 15, you learn that Grendel cannot be harmed by weapons). Grendel advances on the hall. THEN Hrothgar went with his hero-train, defence-of-scyldings, forth from hall; fain would the war-lord Wealhtheow seek, couch of his queen. The King-of-Glory against this Grendel a guard had set, 5 so heroes heard, a hall-defender, who warded the monarch and watched for the monster. In truth, the Geats' prince gladly trusted his mettle, his might, the mercy of God! Cast off then his corselet of iron, 10 helmet from head; to his henchman gave, choicest of weapons, the well-chased sword, bidding him guard the gear of battle. Spake then his Vaunt the valiant man, Beowulf Geat, ere the bed be sought: 15 "Of force in fight no feebler I count me, in grim war-deeds, than Grendel deems him. Not with the sword, then, to sleep of death his life will I give, though it lie in my power. No skill is his to strike against me, 20 my shield to hew though he hardy be, bold in battle; we both, this night, shall spurn the sword, if he seek me here, unweaponed, for war. Let wisest God, sacred Lord, on which side soever 25 doom decree as he deemeth right." Reclined then the chieftain, and cheek-pillows held the head of the earl, while all about him seamen hardy on hall-beds sank. None of them thought that thence their steps 30 to the folk and fastness that fostered them, Having bid farewell to Beowulf in section IX (omitted), Hrothgar and his men leave Heorot and head for the dwelling of Wealhtheow, Hrothgar's wife. Beowulf and his men stay behind to guard the hall. Beowulf, confident in his strength and God's mercy, removes his armor. A boastful statement Beowulf delivers his "vaunt," in which he says he considers himself as good in battle as does Grendel. To prove this, he says he will fight as Grendel does without a sword or armor. Beowulf hits the sack. None of Beowulf's men believe that they will

8 Page 8 of 13 to the land they loved, would lead them back! Full well they wist that on warriors many battle-death seized, in the banquet-hall, of Danish clan. But comfort and help, 35 war-weal weaving, to Weder folk the Master gave, that, by might of one, over their enemy all prevailed, by single strength. In sooth 'tis told that highest God o'er human kind 40 hath wielded ever! Thro' wan night striding, came the walker-in-shadow. Warriors slept whose hest was to guard the gabled hall, all save one. 'Twas widely known that against God's will the ghostly ravager 45 him could not hurl to haunts of darkness; wakeful, ready, with warrior's wrath, bold he bided the battle's issue. return home. They know how many have died at Grendel's hands. Grendel (the "walker-inshadow") is coming. Beowulf (also "him" in line 46) Beowulf is awake, ready and waiting. Grendel is in for a bad surprise. Summary of section XI Grendel enters the hall and seizes and devours one of Beowulf's men. He then tries to grab Beowulf, but Beowulf grabs him instead and a tremendous fight begins. THEN from the moorland, by misty crags, with God's wrath laden, Grendel came. The monster was minded of mankind now sundry to seize in the stately house. Under welkin he walked, till the wine-palace there, 5 gold-hall of men, he gladly discerned, flashing with fretwork. Not first time, this, that he the home of Hrothgar sought, yet ne'er in his life-day, late or early, such hardy heroes, such hall-thanes, found! 10 To the house the warrior walked apace, parted from peace; the portal opended, though with forged bolts fast, when his fists had struck it, and baleful he burst in his blatant rage, the house's mouth. All hastily, then, 15 o'er fair-paved floor the fiend trod on, ireful he strode; there streamed from his eyes fearful flashes, like flame to see. He spied in hall the hero-band, kin and clansmen clustered asleep, 20 hardy liegemen. Then laughed his heart; for the monster was minded, ere morn should dawn, savage, to sever the soul of each, life from body, since lusty banquet Grendel wanted to seize several men. The vault of the sky (clouds) / Heorot Grendel returns to Heorot, but meets foes stronger than any he's ever known. Damned Grendel breaks open the doors of Heorot with his fists and enters the hall. Grendel's eyes burn like fire! Grendel decides to murder Beowulf and his men.

9 Page 9 of 13 waited his will! But Wyrd forbade him 25 to seize any more of me n on earth after that evening. Eagerly watched Hygelac's kinsman his cursed foe, how he would fare in fell attack. Not that the monster was minded to pause! 30 Straightway he seized a sleeping warrior for the first, and tore him fiercely asunder, the bone-frame bit, drank blood in streams, swallowed him piecemeal: swiftly thus the lifeless corse was clear devoured, 35 e'en feet and hands. Then farther he hied; for the hardy hero with hand he grasped, felt for the foe with fiendish claw, for the hero reclining, who clutched it boldly, prompt to answer, propped on his arm. 40 Soon then saw that shepherd-of-evils that never he met in this middle-world, in the ways of earth, another wight with heavier hand-gripe; at heart he feared, sorrowed in soul, none the sooner escaped! 45 Fain would he flee, his fastness seek, the den of devils: no doings now such as oft he had done in days of old! Then bethought him the hardy Hygelac -thane of his boast at evening: up he bounded, 50 grasped firm his foe, whose fingers cracked. The fiend made off, but the earl close followed. The monster meant if he might at all to fling himself free, and far away fly to the fens, knew his fingers' power 55 in the gripe of the grim one. Gruesome march to Heorot this monster of harm had made! Din filled the room; the Danes were bereft, castle-dwellers and clansmen all, earls, of their ale. Angry were both 60 those savage hall-guards: the house resounded. Wonder it was the wine-hall firm in the strain of their struggle stood, to earth the fair house fell not; too fast it was within and without by its iron bands 65 craftily clamped; though there crashed from sill many a mead-bench men have told me gay with gold, where the grim foes wrestled. So well had weened the wisest Scyldings that not ever at all might any man 70 that bone-decked, brave house break asunder, Fate Beowulf Grendel kills one of Beowulf's men. Note the gory details here (such as "feet and hands"). Corse means "corpse." Grendel grabs Beowulf. Beowulf grabs him back with such force that it occurs to Grendel that he has encountered no one stronger he is scared. Grendel wants to retreat to his lair: These men won't be as easy to kill as those he's encountered before. Remembering his boast, Beowulf jumps up and grasps Grendel, breaking his fingers. Grendel flees, and Beowulf pursues him. The hall is filled with the sounds of battle, and casks of ale are spilled. The narrator notes that the struggle is so fierce it is a wonder the hall doesn't collapse. Many benches crashed through the hall's windows during the fight. The mead-house is

10 Page 10 of 13 crush by craft, unless clasp of fire in smoke engulfed it. Again uprose din redoubled. Danes of the North with fear and frenzy were filled, each one, 75 who from the wall that wailing heard, God's foe sounding his grisly song, cry of the conquered, clamorous pain from captive of hell. Too closely held him he who of men in might was strongest 80 in that same day of this our life. decorated with bones (such as deer antlers and skulls). Grendel's cries of fear and pain terrify the Danes. Summary of section XII Beowulf's companions try to help Beowulf, but their swords are powerless against the monster. Beowulf rips off Grendel's entire arm, and the mortally wounded monster stumbles back to the marsh to die. Beowulf hangs the arm up in Heorot as a trophy. NOT in any wise would the earls'-defence suffer that slaughterous stranger to live, useless deeming his days and years to men on earth. Now many an earl of Beowulf brandished blade ancestral, 5 fain the life of their lord to shield, their praiséd prince, if power were theirs; never they knew, as they neared the foe, hardy-hearted heroes of war, aiming their swords on every side 10 the accursed to kill, no keenest blade, no farest of falchions fashioned on earth, could harm or hurt that hideous fiend! He was safe, by his spells, from sword of battle, from edge of iron. Yet his end and parting 15 on that same day of this our life woful should be, and his wandering soul far off flit to the fiends' domain. Soon he found, who in former days, harmful in heart and hated of God, 20 on many a man such murder wrought, that the frame of his body failed him now. For him the keen-souled kinsman of Hygelac held in hand; hateful alive was each to other. The outlaw dire 25 took mortal hurt; a mighty wound showed on his shoulder, and sinews cracked, and the bone-frame burst. To Beowulf now the glory was given, and Grendel thence death-sick his den in the dark moor sought, 30 noisome abode: he knew too well A kenning for Beowulf Grendel Beowulf's men attack Grendel, but are astonished to find that their weapons are useless: Grendel is magically protected from swords. Grendel / Beowulf Beowulf tears off Grendel's arm. Grendel, aware that he is dying, retreats to his lair.

11 Page 11 of 13 that here was the last of life, an end of his days on earth. To all the Danes by that bloody battle the boon had come. From ravage had rescued the roving stranger 35 Hrothgar's hall; the hardy and wise one had purged it anew. His night-work pleased him, his deed and its honor. To Eastern Danes had the valiant Geat his vaunt made good, all their sorrow and ills assuaged, 40 their bale of battle borne so long, and all the dole they erst endured, pain a-plenty. 'Twas proof of this, when the hardy-in-fight a hand laid down, arm and shoulder, all, indeed, 45 of Grendel's gripe, 'neath the gabled roof. Beowulf is pleased with what he has done and the honor and glory it has brought him; he has made good on his boast. Destiny / previously Grendel's severed arm is proof of Beowulf's deeds. Grasp Summary of section XIII Danes come from far and wide to wonder at Beowulf's deed; some follow Grendel's tracks back to the marsh. A poet sings a song honoring Beowulf; he also sings of the Scandinavian epic hero Sigemund. MANY at morning, as men have told me, warriors gathered the gift-hall round, folk-leaders faring from far and near, o'er wide-stretched ways, the wonder to view, trace of the traitor. Not troublous seemed 5 the enemy's end to any man who saw by the gait of the graceless foe how the weary-hearted, away from thence, baffled in battle and banned, his steps death-marked dragged to the devils' mere. 10 Bloody the billows were boiling there, turbid the tide of tumbling waves horribly seething, with sword-blood hot, by that doomed one dyed, who in den of the moor laid forlorn his life adown, 15 his heathen soul, and hell received it. Home then rode the hoary clansmen from that merry journey, and many a youth, on horses white, the hardy warriors, back from the mere. Then Beowulf's glory 20 eager they echoed, and all averred that from sea to sea, or south or north, there was no other in earth's domain, under vault of heaven, more valiant found, of warriors none more worthy to rule! 25 (On their lord beloved they laid no slight, Warriors from across Denmark gather at Heorot to wonder at Grendel's severed arm. Note the alliteration in the following lines; turbid means "murky," "thick," or "clouded with sediment." The waters near Grendel's lair are red with his blood. Ancient or venerable Old men, youths, and warriors returning from visiting the moor to which Grendel's tracks had led offer praise for Beowulf's deed. They did not criticize

12 Page 12 of 13 gracious Hrothgar: a good king he!) From time to time, the tried-in-battle their gray steeds set to gallop amain, and ran a race when the road seemed fair. 30 From time to time, a thane of the king, who had made many vaunts, and was mindful of verses, stored with sagas and songs of old, bound word to word in well-knit rime, welded his lay; this warrior soon 35 of Beowulf's quest right cleverly sang, and artfully added an excellent tale, in well-ranged words, of the warlike deeds he had heard in saga of Sigemund. Strange the story: he said it all, 40 the Wælsing's wanderings wide, his struggles, which never were told to tribes of men, the feuds and the frauds, save to Fitela only, when of these doings he deigned to speak, uncle to nephew; as ever the twain 45 stood side by side in stress of war, and multitude of the monster kind they had felled with their swords. Of Sigemund grew, when he passed from life, no little praise; for the doughty-in-combat a dragon killed 50 that herded the hoard: under hoary rock the atheling dared the deed alone, fearful quest, nor was Fitela there. Yet so it befell, his falchion pierced that wondrous worm; on the wall it struck, 55 best blade; the dragon died in its blood. Thus had the dread-one by daring achieved over the ring-hoard to rule at will, himself to pleasure; a sea-boat he loaded, and bore on its bosom the beaming gold, 60 son of Wæls; the worm was consumed. He had of all heroes the highest renown among races of men, this refuge-of-warriors, for deeds of daring that decked his name since the hand and heart of Heremod 65 grew slack in battle. He, swiftly banished to mingle with monsters at mercy of foes, to death was betrayed; for torrents of sorrow had lamed him too long; a load of care to earls and athelings all he proved. 70 Oft indeed, in earlier days, for the warrior's wayfaring wise men mourned, who had hoped of him help from harm and bale, Hrothgar for failing to do what Beowulf had done. The Danes celebrate by having horse races and telling stories. One warrior composes a song celebrating Beowulf's defeat of Grendel, interweaving this story with a tale of the Swedish hero Sigemund. (The "Waelsing" is Sigemund, and Fitela is his nephew.) Courageous, steadfast; "doughty-in-combat " is a kenning for Sigemund. We learn of the story of how Sigemund slew a dragon by himself. This story foreshadows Beowulf's death: Later in the poem, he, like Sigemund, battles and kills a dragon single-handedly. Unlike Sigemund, he dies of his wounds. We learn that Sigemund is the most famous hero since Heremod, king of the Danes and Scylding's predecessor. Heremod was banished and killed while in exile.

13 Page 13 of 13 and had thought their sovran's son would thrive, follow his father, his folk protect, 75 the hoard and the stronghold, heroes' land, home of Scyldings. But here, thanes said, the kinsman of Hygelac kinder seemed to all: the other was urged to crime! And afresh to the race, the fallow roads 80 by swift steeds measured! The morning sun was climbing higher. Clansmen hastened to the high-built hall, those hardy- minded, the wonder to witness. Warden of treasure, crowned with glory, the king himself, 85 with stately band from the bride-bower strode; and with him the queen and her crowd of maidens measured the path to the mead-house fair. The Danish thanes say that Beowulf is kinder than Heremod ("the other"), who was a criminal. The warrior has finished his song, and the Danes resume horse racing. Hrothgar emerges from his wife's dwelling, and together they head to Heorot.